Swedish Pattern

Swedish Dalarna Mittens

Level: Experienced

As long ago as the 17th century in Sweden,  a form of knitting was practiced called tvåändsstickning, or two end knitting. Using a strand from each end of a center pull ball of yarn (wound of either one or two colors of yarn), the created fabric has great warmth, strength, and durability, as well as elasticity which approaches that of spandex! This technique takes some patience and effort to master, but will soon reward the tenacious knitter with ease, moderate speed, and lovely garments. Motifs of the Dalarna jackets (19th to 20th century) with twined knitted sleeves serve as my inspiration for the “snowflakes” in these mitts.  

The gauge is  11 sts and 12 rnds/ 2" in twined St st.

Featured Techniques

A Color Twined Knitting Technique Primer: Casting On, Knitting, Purling, Twining in Color, The Herringbone Braid

Sizes/Finished Hand Circumference: Small/6.5" (Medium/8", Large/8.75")

Supply List

• Yarn: 1 100g skein (220 yards) in each of two colors of Aran yarn or heavy worsted weight yarn. Don't use single ply yarns–they will pull apart! Suggested yarn: Black Water Abbey's worsted weight wool yarn 

• Needles: A set of five US 5 (3.75 mm) dp needles, or size needed to obtain gauge

• Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holder, tapestry needle

Classes: Textured Twined Fingerless Mitts, Twined Knitted Mittens, Intro to Twined Knitting, Textured Twined Socks

Patterns: Twined Mittens, Morning Glory Mittens, Twined Socks

Order the pattern for Swedish Dalarna Mitts:   http://www.patternfish.com/patterns/5395